Five Alternatives to Using Topical Acne Creams

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the US, affecting 40-50 million Americans. Due to the prevalence of acne, there are plenty of acne treatments on the market, but many of them involve serums and creams that either burn or feel oily. Unfortunately, painful skin treatment products often age your skin, and oily creams can cause discomfort.

Here are some solutions for acne that don't involve topical medication:

1) Cleanse, But Don't Over Cleanse

One of the simplest solutions for acne is keeping your face clean. Wash your face at least twice a day with warm water to cut down on impurities, bacteria, and oil buildup. Avoid washing your face more than twice a day, and don't scrub with a harsh washcloth or exfoliating glove. You could scrub away your skin's protective barrier. You should also avoid touching your face, since your hands produce oil. Dirty towels should be avoided as well, since they spread bacteria.

2) Cut Back On Makeup

Cut back on makeup. It's hard to go without foundation during a breakout, but it often allows the breakout to clear up more quickly. Try switching to oil-free or non-acne causing cosmetics that do not contain harmful ingredients that ca n aggravate your skin further.

3) Use Gentle Hair Care Products

Be careful about what you put in your hair. Gels, oils, pomades and fragrances can all get on your face and block your skin's pores. Try to stick to a gentle shampoo and conditioner, wash your hair often to cut down on oil production, and keep long hair pulled away from your face.

4) Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Watch what you eat, and exercise daily. Your skin is part of your body, and it's affected by your overall health. Avoid greasy food and eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Exercising can clear skin too, but make sure to shower or bathe afterward, since sweat can irritate skin.

5) Consider In-Home High Frequency or Blue Light Therapy

For acne that just won't go away, there is still hope. High frequency treatment and blue light therapy are highly effective technologies used by spas, salons and medical offices to clear acne and are now available for home use. Though they both increase the penetration of acne treatment creams, neither of them require creams to work. Both treatments are painless and non-invasive and only take up a few minutes every few days. They make great solutions for those who've had no luck with topical treatments.

What acne treatments have worked for you? Let us know in the comments!